Historic
Lunenburg
Lunenburg is a port town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. Founded in 1753, the town was one of the first British attempts to settle Protestants in Nova Scotia. The economy was traditionally based on the offshore fishery and today Lunenburg is the site of Canada's largest secondary fish-processing plant.
Old Town Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Seventy percent of the original colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries continue to greet visitors with their colourful façades.
Old Town Lunenburg is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Established in 1753, it has retained its original layout and overall appearance, based on a rectangular grid pattern drawn up in the home country.
The Town of Lunenburg is a diverse and vibrant community of +2,300 year-round residents and many seasonal residents. Lunenburg maintains a sustainable balance of initiatives that focus on community, environment, and development. Providing high-quality municipal services to the community is a priority. Together, Council and staff are dedicated to ensuring residents, business owners, and visitors enjoy the best of Lunenburg in a beautiful waterfront setting along Nova Scotia’s South Shore.
As of result of the Lunenburg Town Council’s strong commitment to community economic development, balanced with considered preservation of “Old Town” Lunenburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site international status, we offer a positive mix of traditional marine industries and high tech commercial ventures. Economic opportunities are supported with a progressive and skilled local workforce, key commercial and building assets, retail and professional support services, health care, and a full range of educational resources from primary to post-secondary and ESL, arts and culture festivals, and venues.
Popular Activities
Things To Do Nearby
Wander Old Town Lunenburg’s distinctive waterfront with its colourful buildings and listen for salty tales of seafaring and rum-running and discover a charming town filled with amazing restaurants, distilleries, breweries, artisans and unique shops.
Bluenose II
Built in 1963, Bluenose II is an exact replica of the famed schooner Bluenose, which became a national icon when she raced undefeated for the International Fishermen’s Cup. Her namesake remains a symbol of the Grand Banks fishery, shipbuilding excellence and the seafaring history of our region.
Steeped in maritime tradition, Bluenose II is a must-see while visiting Nova Scotia. Check out our schedule (bluenose.novascotia.ca/schedule) to find out where you can view Bluenose II this summer.
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Location:
121 Bluenose Drive
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Dates:
June 01, 2023 - September 30, 2023
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Contact:
855-640-3177
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Website:

Bluenose Golf Club
9-hole, par 35, 2592 yd. Rating 67.0; Slope 108. Spectacular views of town and waterfront; very challenging and hilly course.
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Location:
18 Cove Road
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Dates:
May 01, 2023 - October 31, 2023
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Contact:
902-634-4260
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Website:

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic is located along Lunenburg’s colourful historic waterfront. Come inside the iconic red buildings that once housed the fish processing plant, buildings that now hold stories and artifacts of a fishing heritage. Stroll the wharf, then step aboard the last salt bank schooner to fish from the port of Lunenburg and imagine the working life of fishers from the past. Further along the waterfront learn about boatbuilding at the museum’s Big Boat Shed located at the former site of Smith & Rhuland, the shipyard that built Bluenose. Enjoy engaging and authentic interpretation that truly makes this museum a must see!
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Location:
68 Bluenose Drive
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Dates:
May 20, 2023 - October 14, 2023
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Contact:
902-634-4794

Ironworks Distillery
Ironworks is an artisanal distillery located in the historic port town of Lunenburg. Our name comes from the building we call home: a marine blacksmith's shop, dating from 1893 that once produced ironworks for the shipbuilding trade. Today we craft spirits with the same love of traditional methods and attention to detail. Distilling by hand, we use only natural ingredients as fresh and local as possible. Drop in to see how it's done and enjoy a complimentary taste. All major credit cards are accepted.
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Location:
2 Kempt Street
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Dates:
Open year-round
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Contact:
902-640-2424
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Website:

Ocean Adventures
Islander VIII - 49ft Transport Canada approved vessel. Offering:
- Fishing charters
- Dive charters to HMS Saguenay shipwreck
- Shark fishing charters
- Group and private charters welcoming up to 40 passengers.
- Bathroom onboard. Maximum 20 for fishing trips.
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Location:
Fisheries Museum Wharf, 68 Bluenose Drive
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Dates:
June 15, 2023 - October 31, 2023
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Contact:
902-521-0251

Trot in Time Carriage Tours
Horse carriage tours run daily from 11 am - 5 pm. Enjoy a beautifully narrated tour of Old Town Lunenburg, as our experienced and knowledgeable drivers wind through the town. On the tour, visitors will be able to see many of the historic sites and attractions while having the memorable experience of a horse-drawn carriage ride.
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Location:
72 Bluenose Drive
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Dates:
All year around.
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Contact:
902-298-5523
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Website:

Walking Tours
For more than 30 years, Lunenburg Walking Tours has provided authentic travel experiences in one of Canada’s most treasured destinations. Our local guides offer a unique insider’s perspective to our picturesque town, and they bring captivating tales of history, folklore, and superstitions to life on every tour.
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Location:
97 Kaulbach Street
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Dates:
May 15, 2023 - October 30, 2023
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Contact:
902-521-6867

Waterfront Marina
Nova Scotia’s magnificent coastline, dotted with endless inlets, coves, and harbours, stretches over 7,000 kilometres (more than 4,300 miles) – including the numerous islands, it's over 13,300 kilometres (8,300 miles). Offering a collection of incredible boating opportunities and ports of call around the province, with rich cultural, adventure and culinary tourism experiences in both rural and urban settings, and marine-related supply and service businesses with proven expertise.
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Location:
146 Bluenose Drive
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Dates:
May 01, 2023 - October 31, 2023
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Contact:
902-521-3012

Nearby Places To Eat
Located on the picturesque south shore with a deep history in fishing, there are many delicious seafood restaurants in Lunenburg to enjoy. From quick bites to fancy sit down restaurants and even tasty meals in small B&Bs. Aside from seafood you can also find great breakfast spots, BBQ and even burritos. To figure out where to eat when you visit here is a guide to the best restaurants in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in no particular order.
Note: Many of the restaurants in Lunenburg are seasonal and are only open May to October. If visiting on the weekends be sure to make reservations a few days in advance.
Bar Salvador
Bar Salvador and is the fifth and newest restaurant owned by the owners of Salt Shaker, Fish Shack, the Half Shell and Beach Pea. Opened in April 2021 rumour has it one of the main reasons for them opening Bar Salvador was so people could stop in for a drink and light snack while waiting for a table at one of their other locations. Either way this Spanish style tapas bar is not to be missed. Whether you have been to Spain or not be sure to explore their menu and try a little taste of everything, best shared with a friend or two.
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Location:
125 Montague Street
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When:
Thurs & Fri Dinner, Sat & Sun late Lunch and Dinner
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Contact:
902-640-2540
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Website:

Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar
The Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar is probably one of the fancier restaurants in Lunenburg or as they self describe themselves “elegant dishes in a relaxed atmosphere”. The restaurant opened in 2018 and has the same owners of the Salt Shaker Deli, South Shore Fish Shack and the Half Shell Oyster and Seafood so you know their food is going to be delicious. With elegant dishes also comes elegant prices however so be sure you realize that you will pay a bit more for their menu here. It can also be quite the popular spot so be sure to make a reservation a few days in advance. They also take walk-ins but that can’t always be guaranteed.
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Location:
128 Montague Street
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When:
Dinner
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Contact:
902-640-3474
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Website:

Grand Banker Seafood Bar & Grill
The Grand Banker Seafood Bar and Grill in Lunenburg is a popular pub restaurant in the centre of Lunenburg. Overlooking the Lunenburg waterfront they are open year round serving delicious local seafood, burgers, chowder, brunch and more.
The Grand Banker also offers lots of local craft beers on tap and with the owner being a sommelier they have a great wine list as well. There is also an extensive cocktail list and we highly recommend the caesar with a bacon wrapped scallop on top.
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Location:
82 Montague Street
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When:
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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Contact:
902-634-3300
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Website:

Half Shell Oysters & Seafood
Located right next to the South Shore Fish Shack and sharing the same owners is the small patio bar the Half Shell Oysters & Seafood. Of course they serve up delicious local raw oysters from not only around Nova Scotia but around the maritimes but also other seafood dishes too. Popular items include scallops, snow crab, broiled oysters, tacos, seafood chowder, tuna tartare, paella and more. They might be small with just a handful of tables and bar seating but their menu is large, fresh and delicious. The Half Shell also serves local craft beer, wine and make some great cocktails.
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Location:
108 Montague Street
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When:
Mon-Thurs Dinner, Fri-Sun Lunch and Dinner
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Contact:
902-634-8503
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Website:

Salt Shaker Deli
The Salt Shaker Deli and Inn is a popular casual dining restaurant in Lunenburg open year round. They have an outdoor patio, a great bar to sit at and plenty of inside table seating. On their menu they feature everything from lobster rolls to Bahn Mi Burgers, smoked haddock seafood chowder, fishcakes and more including 16 great hand rolled thin crust pizza options. The restaurant really offers something for everyone and it’s often my first pick of places to dine at when in town.
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Location:
124 Montague Street
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When:
Lunch and Dinner
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Contact:
902-640-3434
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Website:

Savvy Sailor
If you are looking for a great breakfast spot in Lunenburg then the Savvy Sailer Cafe is the spot to go. They serve up a classic bacon and eggs breakfast as well as lobster eggs Benedict, french toast, breakfast wraps, frittata, and muesli with fruit. Starting at 11am they also offer lunch options featuring salads, chowder, fishcakes, flatbreads, panini’s, sandwiches and wraps. Don’t forget to try their dessert like the rum cake, peanut butter pie or gluten free brownie.
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Location:
100 Montague Street
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When:
Breakfast and Lunch
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Contact:
902-640-7245
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Website:

South Shore Fish Shack
The South Shore Fish Shack in Lunenburg probably makes the best fish and chips in town. They are basically a takeout spot with picnic tables for you to stay and enjoy your meal. You order your food and are then given a buzzer to pick it up when ready. Their two level patio overlooks the Lunenburg waterfront and they have a few indoor seats as well. Their fish and chips are made of large pieces of haddock coated in a crisp light batter and served with perfect crunchy housemade fries.
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Location:
108 Montague Street
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When:
Lunch and Dinner
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Contact:
902-634-3232
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Website:

Road Trip
The Lighthouse Trail
This scenic drive is a photographer's dream of picture-postcard fishing villages, historic lighthouses, charming coves and crashing break water.
